The Decimator Academy’s door creaked open, revealing another government official entering the building. This time, a muscular woman with vibrant coppery hair trotted through the open room. A striking maroon stripe adorned her uniform, setting her apart from the other civil servants Brian had encountered. Unlike her colleagues, she was laden with an array of law enforcement-type gear, each piece meticulously fastened to her person.

The strong woman, accompanied by two others who appeared to be following her orders, strode towards them. "Brian Valtwood, you're coming with me."

Brian had always epitomized the ideal citizen. He had managed to steer clear of trouble, an intentional strategy born out of his self-awareness. He knew all too well that even the slightest amount of stress would make his heart race and his hands tremble.

Opting for a more common affinity would have likely been the smarter choice. Reflecting on it, his decision to choose the rarest affinity contradicted his initial plan of laying low and blending in – but the temptation was impossible to resist. Perhaps I should invest some points into wisdom. He half- joked, but his heart was stuck in his throat. He questioned the depth of trouble he was in while simultaneously formulating strategies and rehearsing his cover story. But what if that wasn’t enough?

"Hello, nice to meet you.” Brian attempted to hide his unease. “Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

Sophia took a step towards him, her expression filled with concern. "Brian, are you sure—"

He raised a hand, cutting her off. "Sophia, don't worry about me. I'll be just fine. I will be back in a few Minuty… I mean Minutiae, sorry for my French."

The muscular woman’s authoritative gaze scrutinized Brian, and she gestured towards the door. "Let's go."

Brian nodded, shooting Sophia a reassuring smile while he was escorted out of the building.

“Don't let it distract you, we have much to cover,” Darius's voice echoed from behind him as the massive doors of the Decimator Academy swung shut.

Brian felt the pressure of a firm hand on his back, urging him forward while they navigated Arcasium's streets. The strong woman, nearly as tall as Mandrix, pushed him to move faster, but her presence was oddly reassuring. Brian had a knack for gauging what people wanted or intended, and from what he could tell, this woman, for all her sternness, wasn't out to hurt him.

"Chief Enforcer Seraphine Aldric," she introduced herself curtly, informing him they were headed to the Central Administration Complex. The massive building soon appeared, its exterior reflecting the twilight sky, and they hurried inside.

The interior buzzed with activity, government employees rushing through the hallways with a sense of urgency. Valtite-powered lights illuminated their path, casting an ambient glow over the efficient, accessible layout. As they passed research facilities and conference halls, Brian barely had time to absorb the grandiosity of it all.

They made it to what Brian could only describe as the executive lobby. The space had a 'presidential' feel, which led him to believe he was about to meet someone important. This realization gave him hope - maybe he could plead his case. As for the other alternative, Brian didn't even want to consider it. Mandrix had suggested that they might dissect him. He shook his head. No, up until now, the aestari seemed organized and civilized.

"I've brought the one with the unusual signature," Seraphine said firmly.

"Ah, the man of the hour," Draven drawled. His smirk bared his white teeth in a predatory grin. "Ms. Corvus is expecting him. You may proceed." This was the skinny man who was acting as the Vice Director's assistant during the opening speech at the Decimator Academy.

Before he knew it, Brian found himself in an impressive office, the kind he'd always imagined for his gaming setup back home. Seated in one of the two chairs before a magnificent desk, Brian found himself face-to-face with Vice Director Lysandra Corvus – the influential woman who gave the speech at the Decimator Academy on the first day.

Lysandra folded her arms across her chest. "So, Mr. Valtwood, where exactly do you come from, and what are you doing here?"

Brian decided to aim for utmost honesty. He'd always seen the value in truthfulness, how it could build stronger societies. But back on Earth, lies were as common as air, and even the small, needless ones often grew into tangled webs of deceit. As an engineer, those deceptive complications had often made his job more frustrating when trying to trace a problem back to its source. So, that was his plan: truth. He could only hope that it worked.

"Well," Brian began cautiously, "I come from Earth, and trust me, I don't want to be in Valteria any more than you want me here."

Her eyes narrowed. "Does that mean you admit you're not aestari?"

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"That's correct."

Brian picked up on the subtle clues in the woman's tone. He didn't sense any malice – she just seemed uptight and strictly focused on her duty.

"How did you arrive in Valteria, then?"

"One of your Valtite cores transported me here," Brian explained, trying to maintain his composure.

He didn't want to lie in respect to how the Interdimensional Core had brought him to Valteria, but his limited knowledge put him in an unfavorable position.

"And yet, for someone who claims not to be from this world, you seem to know a great deal about it. How is that?"

"Some Decimators found me and helped me when I arrived," Brian tried to gain confidence.

Lysandra leaned forward. "Names. I want the names of those decimators."

Brian's pulse quickened as he panicked, struggling to decide what to say. He didn't want to jeopardize the safety of those who had helped him, but outright refusing to answer could make things worse. Reluctantly, he lied. "I… I don't remember their names."

“Maybe I should ask your cousin? Your record shows an Ilex Viez.” The Vice Director's expression darkened. "Aestari are not like those monsters out there, but we will do whatever is necessary to protect ourselves, even if that means resorting to undesirable measures. And considering you have a monster’s valtite signature, it wouldn't be a stretch for us to use such measures."

"I mean no harm!" Brian blurted out, his words tinged with desperation. "I'm actually looking for a way to help you all. I even joined the Decimator–" But he was cut off mid-sentence, as a tall, imposing figure with silver hair and sharp blue eyes entered the room. This man’s pristine uniform had a gold stripe.

Brian thought he had stepped into a movie script, the situation seemed to escalate with each passing moment, and he couldn't escape the feeling that things would end poorly for him.

"Enough," Aleron said firmly, causing Lysandra to stiffen in her chair. "Give us the room."

"Of course," Lysandra stood up and left, closing the door behind her.

Aleron's voice softened. "My apologies for Lysandra's behavior. I'm High Director Aleron Creslin," he said while making himself comfortable in Lysandra’s chair.

Brian raised an eyebrow. "Is this some kind of bad cop, good cop routine?"

Aleron chuckled. "Nothing like that. In fact, you're free to return to the academy right now if you'd like. However, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further, if you're willing."

The newcomer, Aleron, somehow managed to put him at ease, but Brian remained wary. Aleron's kindness struck him as odd in this tense atmosphere, and Brian definitely suspected an ulterior motive. Nothing is ever easy.

"Sure, I guess it’s the least I could do."

Aleron steepled his fingers, leaning forward. "Before I came in, I overheard you're from a place called Earth?"

"Yes, that's right."

Aleron smirked. "Strange name for a planet, considering Valteria has earth too, but we don't call it 'Earth.'"

Brian shrugged, slightly taken aback. "Well, yeah, I guess."

"Are you able to return to Earth?"

Brian sighed. "Apparently, I was brought here by an Interdimensional Core or something. I have no idea how to go back."

“And Brian? That’s a strange name,” Aleron said.

“Not really. You said your name was… Ale…ron? That sounds fantastical to me.”

Aleron looked pensive as if he couldn’t argue with the logic. “And Valtwood is that a joke?”

“I know right.” Brian chortled.

Aleron shrugged understandingly. "If you want to be a Decimator, that's fine by me, especially since it makes it easier for us to keep an eye on you. I don't want to cause you harm or treat you like a criminal, but I still need to ensure you're not a threat to aestari.”

Maybe Aleron was genuinely positive, however, the nagging sensation of something being off clung to Brian, refusing to let go. "I understand, that makes complete sense."

“Once you've learned more about Valteria, let's set up an appointment so you can tell me more of your Earth and how it compares to our world."

It could be his high-ranking position causing distrust, but Brian resolved not to let his guard down just yet. Although, having access to the government’s High Director could prove useful, he still couldn’t believe it. Events never, never turn out this good.

“DRAVEN!” Aleron suddenly yelled, making Brian jump in his chair.

Timidly, the skinny, sly man opened the door just enough for his body to be visible. “Yes, Sir,” he stammered.

"I need the chief enforcer, is she still in the lobby?" Aleron asked. His voice felt like it belonged to a different person. Darius had a commanding voice, like a drill sergeant, but Aleron was on another level—his voice screamed ultimate authority.

“Yes Sir, I’ll go get–.”

The door slammed completely, Draven shuffled out of the way, his soul appeared to have left his body. “High-Director Aleron, I am present.” Seraphine announced.

"Seraphine, our guest here," Aleron started, emphasizing the word 'guest', "needs to get back to the academy. Ensure that he gets there. Oh, and he should face no troubles in Arcasium. As I said, he is our guest."

Seraphine gave a curt nod, and moved to the side to provide enough room for Brian to step through.

Brian was slow to catch on, but once he realized what was happening, he hurriedly stood up. “Thank you, Aler-, High Director. I appreciate your support.”

“Aleron, is fine. And, don’t forget to set up that appointment.”